PBS Dependants

Certain family members of people who hold or are seeking for a UK visa under the points-based system (PBS) are permitted to enter and remain in the country with the help of a PBS dependent visa, also known as a Family Member of a PBS Migrant visa.

The “main applicant” or “visa holder” must be a PBS immigrant on a points-based visa, such as the Student Visa, Health and Care Visa, or Skilled Worker Visa, or must be in the process of seeking to do so.

We define the PBS dependant visa in this guide, along with the guidelines and specifications for submitting an application for a PBS dependant visa.

What does PBS mean for UK immigration?

Points-based system is abbreviated as PBS. It alludes to the UK’s point-based system for evaluating immigration petitions to determine whether or not applicants match the requirements for the applicable visa category.

Applicants must be the spouse or civil partner, unmarried or same-sex partner of a person who:

• Currently has valid leave to enter or remain as a Relevant PBS Migrant, or
• Have applied at the same time as a Relevant Points Based System Migrant, or
• Has Indefinite Leave To Remain as a Relevant Points Based System Migrant, or at the same time being granted indefinite leave to remain as a Relevant Points Based System Migrant, where the applicant is applying for further leave to remain and was last granted leave as the partner of that same Relevant Points Based System Migrant; or
• Has become a British Citizen where prior to that they held indefinite leave to Remain as a Relevant Points Based System Migrant and where the applicant is applying for further leave as the partner of that same Relevant Points Based System Migrant;.

Visa Entitlements:
Successful applicants will be given a visa for the duration of the main applicant’s visa validity or three years (if the main applicant has been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British Citizenship as a Relevant Points Based System Migrant).

They will be able to attend public schools and use the National Health Service for free.  Eligible dependants may also be permitted to work or study without limitation.

After spending 5 years in the UK as the partner of a British citizen or established in the UK, applicants can apply to settle here.